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Zdeno Chara
Inducted:
2025
Player Stats
6 ft 9 in (206 cm)
256 lb (116 kg; 18 st 4 lb)
Born:
18 March 1977
Trenčín, Czechoslovakia
Position:
Defense
College:
NA
Zdeno Chára was a monumental force on the blue line for over two decades, standing as the tallest player in NHL history at 6-foot-9. His intimidating physical presence, combined with a blistering slap shot and exceptional durability, made him one of the league's premier defensemen. Chára was the captain of the Boston Bruins for 14 seasons, leading them to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011, becoming the second European-born captain to hoist the trophy.
He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2009 as the NHL's best defenseman, cementing his place as a generational defender who excelled in both shutdown defense and offensive contribution. His career longevity is marked by his status as the defenseman with the most games played in NHL history. He was formally elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025.
Chára's Awards and Honors
- 1x Stanley Cup Champion (2011)
- 1x James Norris Memorial Trophy (Best Defenseman) (2009)
- 1x Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award (2011)
- 3x NHL First All-Star Team (2004, 2009, 2014)
- 4x NHL Second All-Star Team (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012)
- 6x NHL All-Star Game selection
Notable Achievements
- All-Time NHL Record for Most Games Played by a Defenseman (1,680)
- Tallest Player in NHL History (6'9" or 206 cm)
- Holds the NHL record for Most Game 7 Playoff Appearances in a career (14)
- Oldest defenseman in NHL history to score a goal in the Stanley Cup Final
NHL Teams
New York Islanders (1997-2001)
Ottawa Senators (2001-2004)
Boston Bruins (2006-2020, 2021-2022))
Washington Capitals (2020-2021)
National Team:
Slovakia (1999-2014)
NHL Draft:
56th overall, 1996
New York Islanders
Number Worn:
3, 53, 33
NHL Stats
Season Played:
24 (1997-2021)
Games Played:
1,680
Goals:
209
Assists:
471
Points:
680
Plus/Minus:
+301
Penalties in Minutes:
2,085
Playoff Game:
200
Playoff Points:
70
Stanley Cups:
1 (2011)
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NHL Hall of Fame
The NHL Hall of Fame is a prestigious institution that honors hockey's greatest contributors. Each year, the induction ceremony celebrates legendary players and their historic contributions to the game. The Hall of Fame class includes hockey legends who have achieved remarkable career achievements and created iconic moments on and off the ice.
Inductees are recognized for their significant player contributions, earning various awards and honors, and their influence on the sport. The Hall also commemorates retired jerseys and acknowledges the impact on the game by highlighting famous inductees and their legacies. As a symbol of excellence, the NHL Hall of Fame continues to celebrate the sport's rich history and inspire future generations of hockey players.